Declassified Spanish government documents show that the country's intelligence service warned officials a day in advance of an organized attempt to bring large numbers of migrants across the border into Ceuta, contradicting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's claims that the scale of the crisis could not have been foreseen.
The Spanish National Intelligence Centre, known as the CNI, had informed Moroccan authorities and officials in Ceuta as early as 29 July that calls were circulating on social media for a mass crossing of migrants into the Spanish enclave the following day, according to the documents.
The disclosures come from more than 40 security documents declassified by the government in Madrid after Sánchez came under intense political pressure over his handling of the crisis.
Warnings on social media
According to the documents, the CNI had identified groups on WhatsApp and Facebook that were promoting an attempt to enter Ceuta "both by swimming and through the fence" marking the border.
The Spanish intelligence service estimated that around 180,000 people had received related messages. One of them read: "Whoever wants to cross, this is the last chance, on Throne Day, 30 July at 8. Authorities will be busy with the celebrations and parades," according to the documents.
The CNI also sent messages to the central government's delegation in Ceuta and to the Guardia Civil, Spain's paramilitary police force, alerting them to the activity on social media.
Government denies it could have predicted the scale
Sánchez had told the Spanish parliament that there was no information suggesting "the scale of the crisis we would experience" over the last two days of July.
Shortly before the documents were made public, the prime minister said on Spanish television that the mass arrival of migrants had not been expected.
The opposition argues the documents contradict that position. Ester Muñoz of the conservative Popular Party said the government had the information and was directly responsible for the invasion of Ceuta and for those who lost their lives.
Jorge Buxadé of the far-right Vox party said on social media that the documents proved Sánchez and his team must be brought before the Supreme Court for treason and crimes against security.
Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said he was not aware of any report that could have predicted the scale of what happened on 30 July. A government source said the available intelligence before the mass crossing did not allow officials to foresee the real scale of the crisis or prepare an adequate response in time.
More than 70,000 migrants crossed in two days
More than 70,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on 30 and 31 July, according to the documents. Ceuta, along with Melilla, is one of only two land borders between Europe and Africa.
Many swam around the border fence to reach the enclave. The mayor of Ceuta said at least 100 people died during the crossing attempt.
Most of the migrants were later returned to Morocco, but thousands remained in the Spanish territory. The Sánchez government put the number still in Ceuta at around 5,000, while local authorities estimate it could be as high as 10,000.
Many of those who stayed have been sleeping in makeshift camps, on the streets or on beaches, fueling social tension in the enclave. Residents have voiced concerns about safety, and there have been incidents of shelters being destroyed and aid deliveries being obstructed.
EU pledges 114.7 million euros
On Wednesday, 9 September, the European Union announced emergency financial aid of 114.7 million euros for Spain to help manage the migration crisis in Ceuta.
The funding will mainly go toward reinforcing border surveillance, buying equipment such as thermal cameras, and deploying additional personnel.
The aid will also support the return of people staying in Ceuta illegally, as well as reception facilities for unaccompanied minors in the enclave.
Questions over Morocco's role
The crisis has also raised questions about the role of Morocco, with some in Spain arguing that the mass arrivals were facilitated by Moroccan authorities.
A leaked Spanish police report reportedly hinted at possible involvement by Moroccan police officers, though Sánchez has repeatedly said there is no proof that Rabat was complicit.
Miguel Ángel Pérez Triano, the central government's representative in Ceuta, said the messages sent by the CNI on 29 July did not amount to a warning or a report, but were rather a simple exchange of information.
